ANKARA
President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy said, the EU will keep on working with Turkey as well as with all the partners and allies in order to establish peace and stability in Syria.
Speaking at the "Conference of Latest Developments in the Turkey-EU Relations" at the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), Rompuy said, EU had been closely associated for the last 50 years adding Turkey is vitally important for EU.
Referring to the visa-free travel procedures between Turkey and EU countries, Rompuy said visa-free travel would give the relationship a new way also changing the way people see each other.
Rompuy pointed out Turkey has been experiencing a fast economic growth, adding the growth made Turkey one of the most important economic partners of EU.
Stating that they had been trying to solve the problems behind the global economic crisis, Rompuy said, the present economic crisis was temporary and the EU countries' economies would be better in a way to contribute to both Turkey's and our partners' economies.
Talking about the discovery of the gas resources off the shores of Cyprus, Rompuy said exportation of hydro carbon resources would be economically advantageous for all Cypriots.
"Turkey is an important member for EU in G-20" said Rompuy adding it was no coincidence that over majority of the economies represented in G-20 had also democracies. "Economy development and political liberties go hand in hand" Rompuy said.
Addressing to Turkey's role in helping the victims of the civil war in Syria, Rompuy said "Your country plays such an essential and constructive role. Your country is leading a humanitarian support and playing a key role in efforts to find a political solution. EU will continue working with Turkey as well as with all the partners and allies in order to establish peace and stability in Syria."
Solution process
Touching upon the internal developments in Turkey, Rompuy expressed his appreciation of 4th judicial package and the stages taken regarding the new constitution.
Regarding the solution process, Rompuy said, he wanted to underline the determination of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in finding solution to Kurdish issue, adding "Reconciliation is a matter of wisdom."
FTA between US and EU
Stating that the EU and the US were engaged in a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the largest economic blocs of the world, Rompuy referred Turkey's close watch of the issue as an EU candidate.
Rompuy said, the FTA would benefit all at the end of the process.
Emphasizing on the importance that the EU attributes to the transportation to the energy resources especially in Central Asia and Caucasia, Rompuy defined Turkey as a very important partner and a bridge on the way to the suppliers, considering the need on the shared conventional, as well as renewable energy.
Geneva to be the denominator for Syria
Rompuy highlighted that Geneva negotiations were highly critical and said, the EU will continue to send humanitarian aid to Syria.
Focusing on Turkey's regional role not only regarding Syria but also, in North Africa, as well as Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Central Asia Rompuy said, the EU wants to maintain its state building efforts in cooperation with Turkey.
Expressing the EU's support for the Middle East peace process, Rompuy underlined the importance of the renewed dialogue between Turkey and Israel in this regard.
Finally Rompuy said that he came to Ankara to underline the importance the EU attached to Turkey to revitalize such significant relations, as well as strengthening the ties between Turkish and European peoples.
